UFC 103 Betting – Belfort looks to refocus against Franklin

by Dirty on September 19, 2009

The UFC 103 fight card that takes place in Dallas on Saturday features one legendary UFC fighter, and one who was on his way before falling from the ranks. But don’t be so quick to go for the favorite, or you’ll miss an offshore sportsbook upset.

UFC 103 Betting – Saturday, September 19, 10:00 PM ET

Rich Franklin (25-4-0-1) vs Vitor Belfort (18-8)

Franklin is a -140 online betting favorite in his second straight fight at a 195-pound catchweight, as he defeated Wanderlei Silva in an entertaining bout at UFC 99. He’ll be facing Belfort, the former UFC light heavyweight champion who lost a split decision to Tito Ortiz at UFC 51 and then bounced around different companies, even making a foray into boxing. He also tested positive for steroids after losing to Dan Henderson at a Pride event, but he looked good in winning the Cage Rage light heavyweight title.

But Franklin won’t back down from Belfort, as he’s proven that he’ll go toe to toe with anyone in the Octagon, any time, any place. However, three of his four losses have come against fighters who practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, twice against Anderson Silva, and once to Lyoto Machida. In fact, his win against Wanderlei Silva was his first against a Brazilian, and Wanderlei didn’t even attempt to take Franklin down, he just wanted to stand up. Belfort is a much more versatile fighter than Wanderlei, and he’s one of the most explosive strikers out there on a good day. Franklin is very well-rounded, but he can be dominated in the Muay Thai clinch, as Anderson Silva demonstrated in his two fights against the American.

Betting services have Belfort as an underdog, but that shouldn’t bother him considering his past. He knows he has to work his way back up the ranks, and Franklin is a perfect fight for him. On a personal note, Belfort also had a sister who was kidnapped, so online betting players shouldn’t question his motivation: he’s been through a lot to get back to the UFC, and should be in line for an “upset” in your weekend sports picks.